James Downton, Jr., is a teacher, author, and artist. Before retiring from the University of Colorado, Boulder, in 2004, he had taught at the college level for thirty-nine years. At CU, he taught courses in sociology, personal development, and creativity. He also presented workshops for faculty and graduate students on creative teaching. His creative approach to teaching earned him the Faculty Teaching Excellence Award, the Student/Alumni Teaching Excellence Award, and the Graduate Teacher Program's "The Best Should Teach Award."

His teaching is in harmony with his four life purposes: To help people increase their happiness, creativity, and wisdom, and to do all those things for himself.

Jim lives in Boulder, Colorado, with his wife, Mary. They've been happily married for forty-eight years and have two terrific daughters. "Being a husband has taught me about real friendship and has given me the capacity to deeply love and be loved. Being a father has been one of my greatest pleasures, playing with my daughters when they were young and now enjoying and being proud of them as adults. There is a lot of love between us."

Besides teaching, Jim is an avid squash and tennis player. He also enjoys painting and sculpting in his art studio. His life revolves around the issues of wholeness and creativity, which are ways of cultivating wisdom, inner peace, happiness, and an easier way to live.

Examples of Blue Mountain Arts products by James Downton, Jr.

Books

And here are some selections from the book, Today, I Will : Words to Inspire Positive Life Changes...

Today, I Will

The past is past and this day is new, so a fresh opportunity for change presents itself to me now. Today, I will listen to the heartfelt voice in me saying, Notice and appreciate the goodness in people. Live from the goodness within yourself.

* * *

Today, I Will
Make This a Good Day

A "good day" lies within our power to create. Today, I will make this a good day by encouraging and being kind to myself. I will improve this day for others by giving them my attention, compassion, and support. By setting out to create a good day, I will see how much power for good lies within me.

* * *

Today, I Will
Nurture Valued Relationships

Important connections between people can be eroded by simple neglect. Today, I will be aware of valued relationships I have quit tending. Have I stopped actively cultivating ties with a parent, grandparent, sister, brother, child, or friend? Who would welcome special time with me, a telephone call, or a heartfelt letter? By renewing my ties with others, I will feel renewed.

* * *

Today, I Will
Be Open to Change

A well-trodden life path can become a safe route we never question. Today, I will spend time questioning the path I have been on. Am I using myself in ways that make my life meaningful? Have I added enough risk to how I am being and living so I can experience my life as a creative adventure? As I explore the path I have been taking today, I will learn what I might change to make it more challenging and interesting.

* * *

Today, I Will
Be Amazed

People who look at the ground when they walk fail to see the amazing sky. Today, I will notice which thoughts, problems, and activities most prevent me from seeing what is wonderful about life. Do I get lost in doubt and forget to look for wonder? Do I work so hard to succeed that I fail to see life's little gifts? This awareness will help me create better balance so I can see the ground and the sky and feel happier to be alive.

* * *

Today, I Will
Thrive

Where the soil is richest, plants will easily grow and thrive. Today, I will explore areas within myself where I am most prepared for cultivation. What parts of me are fertile for change and growth? Is there a particularly rich opportunity? What are the steps I will take to cultivate it? By nourishing my development in this way, I will be a life gardener today.